Searsino Reviews

Spaceman (I) (2024)

Not Great, But 5 Stars for the Spider

[5/10 · 19 March 2024]

I was going to avoid this one because of Sandler's general bad record when it comes to film. However, I couldn't find anything on Netflix at the time and decided to give him another try.

The spider/alien character is the only redeeminb thing about this film and I love every single thing about him. I love the voice actor who played him, the facial design, and the way he offers another perspective on what life is and should be. It is because of this character alone that I was able to get through all of the scenes involving Sandler's past trauma and family issues which never earned my emotional investment in the first place.

Spaceman was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting it to be. Worth a watch just for Hanus the spider.

"Skinny human"

Gravity (2013)

Decent film. Smart soundtrack makes it work.

[7/10 · 30 March 2023]

Proof that a soundtrack can truly carry a film. The final ten minutes felt so satisfying alongside Shenzou by Steven Price. I felt like my time investment was worthwhile by the end of it (felt a tad longer then it needed to be however I think the pace used merits it), putting aside the absurdity of the ending, which was a bit too abrupt and seemed rather outlandish even for a sci-fi. Regardless, Sandra Bullok and George Clooney provide decent enough performances and the story was unique enough to make it an all-around solid movie. Definitely worth the watch for those looking for something new.

The Imitation Game (2014)

Solid Film, Perhaps Just a Tad Bit Overrated

[7/10 · 23 February 2022]

The Imitation Game has all the bells and whistles usually needed to create a successful blockbuster: strong lead actors giving strong lead performances, a script based on the fascinating accomplishments of Alan Turing, and a soundtrack scored by Alexandre Desplat (also known for his work on The Grand Budapest Hotel, Isle of Dogs, and Zero Dark Thirty).

As many have noted, there is an emphasis on Turing's homosexuality which many seem to take issue with as being overbearing and taking away time that might have been better utilized on other aspects of who he is. And while I don't necessarily disagree with those reviewers, it did not bother me or take away from the brilliant story that is being told here.

It's a good film. I will definitely be having a second viewing in the future and can say this is well worth the watch. The Imitation Game is above average (not quite Best Adapted Screenplay material but definitely earned an Oscar nod).

Interstellar (2014)

When Christopher Nolan and Hans Zimmer Come Together

[9/10 · 28 February 2021]

I'll spare the usual details given that 4000 others have covered the story of Interstellar. Rather, I'd like to say that once again I am truly baffled. Baffled at how every film the Nolan boys come together to write and direct, using the genius of Hans Zimmer to score their work, manages to evoke such emotion and captivate me to the very end.

Despite the bitterness I have after seeing what Hans would do to the Lion King in Disney's live-action remake, I simply cannot ignore how unbelievably adept he is at his job.

I decided to revisit this film after several years and found myself in tears by the end when Cooper and Murph finally reunite. And while the story itself surely had much to do with my reaction, I cannot ignore the role Hans' compositions played from opening credits on to the very end. I felt that final moment in my chest, as the two of them spent only a minute to acknowledge the journey both had taken.

Am going to go out on a limb here and say that without this specific composer the film would have been very, very different. And Nolan seems to know just this. The partnership seemingly continues to sharpen their skills with each production. It's something I am in awe of as I watch the likes of Interstellar, Inception, The Dark Knight, and Dunkirk.

An amazing sci-fi film with an original story to tell (rare nowadays) which you surely don't want to miss out on. This is one of those titles that I would put in the "Must Watch" pile as mandatory for everyone.

Blade of the Immortal (2017)

Underrated Film out of Japan is a MUST WATCH

[9/10 · 12 November 2017]

It takes a lot to get me to leave a review (over 1000 titles rated, just 25 reviews). A film has to really be overrated OR on the other end of the spectrum. Blade of the Immortal is just that, an underrated film. Just to name some of the rare ones I felt an obligation to write about: V for Vendetta, Collateral Beauty, The Big Short, and Concussion.

Blade of the Immortal is an adaptation of a popular Japanese manga (comic) released in 1993. Having little familiarity with both the manga and TV adaptation, I will not give my opinion on how this compares. This is purely based on the way the story was told as well as the actors within.

This is a film with an outstanding cast. Takuya Kimura and Hana Sugisaki steal the show with performances that were beyond believable and packed to the brim with emotion.

Manji (Takuya Kimura) is a battle-hardened samurai who committed quite heinous crimes in a past life. A mysterious 800-year-old nun introduces a bloodworm into his body which will regerate/heal any damaged part of his body, thereby being cursed with immortality. In order to be freed from this eternal life, he has vowed to kill 1000 evil men.

Manji crosses paths with a young girl named Asano Rin (Hana Sugisaki) whose parents were murdered in front of her by a gang of elite fighters. He promises to help her avenge their death.

This film has both incredible choreographed fight scenes as well as great cinematography. I hadn't heard about it prior to viewing this and was quite taken aback. In all honesty, by having no background information of the movie I was able to truly enjoy this one. It's been hard these last few years to find new films that blow me away. Blade of the Immortal is one such film. Do yourself a favor and go watch it. Well worth the time.

Take Me Home (2011)

Your Average Feel Good Dramedy

[7/10 · 30 March 2017]

Thom is your average guy who is struggling to survive in New York City. He can't find a half-decent job and often will resort to illegally driving a taxi cab to make ends meat. One night he picks up a distressed Claire, who recently found out her father had a heart attack back in California. One thing leads to another, and Thom is now driving the two of them out to the West Coast so she can see her family.

It can be extremely difficult to feel the emotion in a love story but this is done well in Take Me Home, and perhaps a large part of the reason why has to do with their relationship outside of film. This was written and directed by Sam Jaeger, who also plays the lead actor. Interestingly, the female lead is played by his wife Amber Jaeger. This makes buying into the feelings these two have for one another an easier task as the film progresses.

This is your average feel-good comedy with all the clichés we've come accustomed to, from start to finish. But don't let that stop you from enjoying a well-constructed story as I can assure you it is worth the time. And if anything, the fact that these two leads are married in real life makes the story that much more unique and worthwhile.

Pianomania (2009)

The Life of a Piano Tuner

[8/10 · 30 March 2017]

Stefan Knüpfer is a piano tuner who works for Steinway (very popular manufacturer). He spends a great deal of time working with pianists making sure that the pianos they play on sound just right before performances. Pianomania masterfully shows us the tension between Stefan and Pierre- Laurent Aimard, a renown French pianist, who seemingly can never be satisfied. We are given a look into the complex requests Knüpfer must take on as he tries to understand the needs of performers and their instruments.

Piano tuners are a rare breed of person, of which Stefan is no exception. This fragile-looking man with rounded glasses who lives a stress-filled life of running from one performance hall to the next on a daily basis. He is the perfect example of someone who works behind the scenes, often going unnoticed, never recognized for the importance of his work to the performances viewed by many.

"...it (piano) has to be continuously remixed so that what is produced right there, the quality of the sound conforms with what the artist imagines. That is the difficulty that needs to be constantly addressed."

The film is much like an episode of "Worlds Toughest Jobs". As Stefan mentions, it is trying to create a sound from the piano that is exactly like the sound that these performers have in their minds. Taking something that is obscure or intangible and turning this into reality. I found the language barrier to be fascinating considering the performers he works with come from all walks of land. It is almost comic how this adds to the already daunting task of interpreting what is being asked of him.

Pianomania is a perfect example of why I continue to watch documentaries. They not only offer a voice to those who have none, but can also provide a view into the world of those who may not care for one. That Stefan finds beauty in everything about his job makes this all the more beautiful to watch.

Beauty and the Beast (I) (2017)

A Mediocre Live Action Remake of a Disney Classic

[4/10 · 18 March 2017]

I will be the first person to acknowledge that remakes often can be a necessary part of this industry. But this entire project just didn't sit well with me from the get-go. So let's dive in, shall we?

1) VOCALS:

This was a musical, and as such being the case, it is inexcusable to have Watson as the lead for such a classic. She never had vocal coaching, and from the trailers alone this was clearly going to be CPU corrected throughout to compensate.

As predicted, her voice has been largely manipulated in post. And considering that Walt Disney himself made such a big deal out of the musical production in all of his movies, I cannot understand the complete and total neglect of the soundtrack (again, something largely responsible for what made the original so magical).

2) CGI:

Take a moment and go look at some pictures of CGI work in Life of Pi. Then compare this to Beast's face or any other animation in this remake. I would then like you to ask yourself the following:

How could it be that Life of Pi managed to create imagery of far greater quality on a budget which was $40 million LESS than that which Disney was working with.

3) PRODUCTION & SET DESIGN:

I liken this aspect to someone making everything out of cardboard and then painting it in solid colors so as to exactly match the original. Again, I do not understand why the set looked so lifeless considering Disney has opted for a live-action remake. I couldn't help but feel this was lacking any form of originality with which to carry the movie.

4) CASTING:

Lucy Bevan was the casting director for this one. Some of her more noteworthy credits include The Golden Compass, An Education, Nanny McPhee Returns, Maleficent, 300, and Cinderella. It is quite clear after taking a good look at her directorial resume just how hit-or-miss this person is when it comes to choosing the right people for the right roles.

And once again, with such a strong backing for this film, I find myself left dumbfounded wondering why Disney would take such a gamble with arguably the greatest story to ever come out of the magic factory.

ADDITIONAL ANALYSIS:

This entire project just feels like it was overseen by an entirely new group of execs and with no other intent other than the money. I wouldn't be so harsh, but this is Disney. An organization which prides itself on utilizing fantastic music, strong performances, astounding visuals, and detailed CGI. Yet every single one of those pillars has been overlooked.

I have no inherent problems with Watson. She has proved capable in one of my favorites: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012). However, this role was not for her. This is one time where taking the risk (aka learning to sing for the part) was a mistake. A task far too great for her to overcome.

If you are in your early teens, have young children, or are an avid fan of Harry Potter, then this Disney remake is for you. The excitement of seeing familiar characters on screen in real life will be excitement enough, bringing about a sense of nostalgia long sought after.

Simply put, this isn't how films were meant to be created. Shame on you Disney. It's not OK for a company of such proportions to ignore standards spanning nearly a century, instead demonstrating such blatant disregard for the original.

I give this 4 stars. There was nothing special about it. The problem was that Disney chose to reboot a film which was already an 8/10 and failed to bring about any hint of originality.

Looking ahead, I really hope you don't ruin Mulan and The Little Mermaid with similar mistakes. We are currently 0/1. I will remain optimistic, however, given the success of Cinderella. But for the love of all that is good, Disney! PLEASE pull it together in upcoming endeavors.

A FINAL NOTE:

For too long I have seen disingenuous reviews scattered throughout in the opening weeks of any larger budget film release. This is really starting to bother me IMDb! You guys should be able to create some sort of list or set of requirements that must be fulfilled in order to leave a review: for example, requiring users to have rated at least 500+ films, contributing to at least 3 different parts of this community, or even just ensuring the account has no suspicious activity which would be indicative of illegitimate, over the top reviews.

There are of course going to be opposing views out there, however I challenge those suspicious of unwarranted criticism like what I have offered here to go and inspect the profiles to see which ratings are associated with long-time active members. For this movie alone, nearly half of all ratings over 8/10 come from accounts which were made just weeks ago and whose activity consists of but one single rating for the film. These falsified reviews are taking away from the validity of overall IMDb ratings!

Please, please, PLEASE do something about this :(

----- 4/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

The Intouchables (2011)

A Smartly Devised Story with Beautiful Imagery

[10/10 · 18 March 2017]

This was one of the first titles I watched after taking a deep dive into the foreign film market. And as a result, I have never looked back in the endless search for more and more "foreign hidden gems".

The Intouchables is a movie which comes out of France. A passionate story directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano which ultimately would become one of the most successful French films to ever hit the box office. You may also know there work from another film titled Samba, another hit which also starred Omar Sy (has also played several smaller roles such as Barry in Jurassic World - 2015).

The general premise is that Philippe has been a lifelong paraplegic who is searching for an everyday caretaker to help him with menial tasks such as showering, shaving, eating, and any inconveniences that he may encounter on a given day. Driss happens to apply for the job, desperately in need of a new source of income. While many would have tossed aside Driss on his past alone (criminal record and seemingly never ending impatience for people), Philippe wants a person who will look at him as more than a handicapped man. He wants a friend and someone who will treat him like he is just as capable as the next.

I quote a line from the film where Philippe is approached by a colleague who is concerned that hiring someone like Driss, a person with a rough background:

Colleague: These street guys have no pity. Philippe: That's what I want.

Antics ensue.

I claim this to be one of my favorite films and gems for several reasons:

1) The chemistry between the two leads, Omar Sy and François Cluzet is perfection. You truly believed these two individuals from polar opposite upbringings had becomes the closest of friends having discovered the beauty and benefits had from learning about one another. And quite frankly, chemistry of this magnitude is a rarity in film nowadays.

2) The imagery was beautiful. Every scene from the nights at dinner or concerts, visiting private art galleries together, snowball fights (that humor could be drawn from having a snowball fight with a paraplegic speaks volumes), Driss helping Philippe with his everyday health needs, all the way to merely feeling like he's just a normal person who also wants to have fun once in a while.

3) The story was told in such a way that keeps us wanting more. Both directors cleverly scatter humor throughout in order to offer the viewer some relief from the dark drama which is drawn out of these two characters with equally different struggles and rough pasts.

I think what ultimately made this entertaining for me was thus: in situations where you have a helpless or handicapped lead (in this case a paraplegic), the first thing I wanted was for a physically capable person to stand up for them in situations where the other is not able to do so themselves.

For example, early on in the film we are shown a situation where Philippe has a neighbor who constantly parks in the front of his drive way. It clearly bothers him but he can't do anything besides wait for the ignorant guy to move out of the way. Driss is now Philippe's right hand man, and upon recognizing the situation, jumps out of the car and gets in the drivers face, yelling for him to move his car and never park there again. You get a sense of satisfaction from this kind of relationship, as well as the developing friendship these two develop for one another as they learn to depend on each other.

I won't ruin the ending for you, but rest assured that it won't disappoint. This is truly a hidden gem for any American, and I cannot recommend this title more highly.

----- 10/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

The Best Offer (2013)

A Twist You Won't Come Close to Predicting (WATCH THE FILM)

[10/10 · 28 February 2017]

The Best Offer has surprisingly gotten mixed reviews: Roger Ebert (1.5/4), Rotten Tomatoes (56%), Metascore (49/100). I must give credit to IMDb for being the only reputable review site to find greatness in this film (7.8/10).

A story of dark romance entwined in mystery with direction from Giuseppe Tornatore (his best work to date being this movie). Geoffrey Rush unsurprisingly gives a standout performance as a managing director of an auction house.

The film opens as Oldman receives a call from a young heiress named Claire (Sylvia Hoeks), who wants him to sort through and appraise her parent's art and antique collections. He finds the situation very out of the ordinary because of how Claire refuses to meet in person, opting to handle business over the phone.

It would ruin this experience if I were to offer any further details. I know it sounds incredibly dull given the premise above, but trust me and just watch this one. There are twists which are cleverly revealed. The performances are outstanding. The progression builds up in such an intelligent way as to make the final minutes that much better.

I ultimately gave this a perfect rating because of how unexpected the ending was and how well it explained the progression of the entire film. It was one of those situations where you are left contemplating the cleverness of the writers and how surprised you were by the closing scenes. It was the same feeling I had after watching Split (James MacAvoy): "What just happened." Easily one of my favorite films of the last decade. Well worth your time. You won't regret watching this!

----- 10/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

MacGruber (2010)

Worth It! (Even if you didn't like SNL)

[7/10 · 27 February 2017]

MacGruber originated as a popular SNL sketch which I never found that funny. So it took a while to convince myself that this would be worth the time.

Will Forte plays a formal special ops fighter named MacGruber. His wife was killed on their wedding day by nemesis Dieter Von Cunth (played by Val Kilmer). That's all you need to know.

Two things should be addressed regarding this film:

1) The cast is surprisingly good with Will Forte, Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids), Ryan Phillippe (Cruel Intentions) work really well off of one another. I was particularly impressed by Val Kilmer (aka Iceman from Top Gun) who seemingly came out of nowhere to fill this role.

2) I was not aware of this until afterward, but this MacGruber was directed by Jorma Taccone!! This is the guy who has an extensive history writing for SNL, was part of the comedy trio called The Lonely Island (SNL Digital Shorts), eventually going on to both perform AND direct the recent comedic musical "Popstar" in 2016. I'm a huge fan of his work and it really shines in MacGruber.

Don't ignore this one. Like I said, even if you aren't a fan of SNL or the sketch, it's a completely different game on the big screen.

----- 7/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

The Kill Team (2013)

Good Documentary, VERRRRY Graphic

[8/10 · 27 February 2017]

Adam Winfield is a 21-year-old United States infantryman who fought in Afghanistan. During his tour, he takes issue with the behavior from individual members in his platoon being acted out upon the local Afghani people (dead young men are shown throughout, so be forewarned).

Before he manages to safely alert someone to the problems taking place in his unit (and according to him across the entire military), his platoon gets wind of this and starts giving threats to ensure silence. Adam is forced to decide whether he should stay quiet or stop the activities of which he is so opposed.

This film is an account of these events from various members of the platoon (including Adam).

There is no doubt this documentary is an important one. It shows a young man in a situation which is seemingly unjust and unfair. It became difficult at times to watch a small guy get treated so terribly (nobody likes bullying). You can tell just how miserable and worried he is.

The film leads up to his hearing where he's given three years in prison. It's quite painful to watch. The message I received was how important it is for Americans to be able to rely on a system of justice and that we all will hold one another accountable for injustice when we see it.

I do however think this situation is not as simple as many will think it is. The United States military is responsible for keeping peace around the world. The Navy occupies the oceans with Super Carriers which prevent violence and war. The Airforce and Army are no different. To think otherwise is to be naive. I should note that I am not a member of the military, come from immigrant parents and was born and raised here in the United States. For me, this film has an important message to get across. I would like to challenge everyone to drop any previous opinions on these issues going into the film. There are many, MANY more amazing United States soldiers out there for each instance of a bad one we hear about in the media. That idea often gets lost in politics where the focus is on problems (rarely accomplishments).

Ultimately, we can credit a lot of the good in this world to the United States military, much of which gets ignored. Being able to remain impartial for this topic makes this even more of an insightful experience.

What I liked most about this was how the director didn't allow for this to run any longer than needed. A short and to the point account.

----- 8/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

Draft Day (I) (2014)

Great Movie for NFL Fans (Basic Football Explanation Included for Reference)

[7/10 · 26 February 2017]

This is one of the better efforts I've seen that depicts what goes on behind the scenes in the National Football League during the actual draft. The film starts with a quote which describes everything you need to know before digging in:

"32 Teams, 7 Rounds, 224 Young men who today are about to become players in the National Football League. A day where lives are changed, fates are decided, dynasties are born. And the clock is always ticking. Of course, I'm talking about draft day."

Kevin Cosner is the real star here, giving an outstanding performance as the General Manager of a losing Cleveland Browns franchise. He is under an unbelievable amount of pressure to choose the best plan of action AND draft picks in order to correct the string of losses and inevitably save his own job.

That's really all there is to it. This is a very accurate rendition of how a draft works behind the scenes, showing how coaches and GM's call one another to negotiate deals in a far less formal way than you may imagine. They all have a deep passion for this game, as many Americans do.

What really won me over was the way that this builds up from the days before draft day right into the actual draft picks as the clock ticks. I actually felt the tension and was noticeably stressed out while watching them debate what to do next. The film was one giant crescendo to the very end.

REGARDING THOSE NOT FAMILIAR WITH FOOTBALL:

In much the same way that many Americans will watch films about soccer, rugby and cricket, this is no exception. I've watched the likes of "Death of a Gentleman" (Cricket), "Invictus" (Rugby), or Becoming Zlatan (European football) and managed to follow. Draft Day is no exception.

Here are a few things for the unfamiliar that might help when watching:

the way all these teams get talented new players is largely through a system set up by the league. Just like soccer teams have junior divisions, in football they take their picks from the best players on American college football teams. There really is no other way of finding high-quality athletes who can compete in this sport unless they were on a college team (generally, but there are exceptions).

So on draft day, all football teams are given a number which determines the order for taking turns picking the best players all college teams across the country. This order is determined based on how well a team did the previous season (the last place team will pick first the following year, often getting the best college talent).

This is of course is just the general idea. From that 1st pick, the teams all take turns selecting from remaining players to fill the positions they are in need of stronger talent. It's a giant game of strategy, trying to get more quality players that are needed at different positions before someone else comes and takes them.

Hopefully this helps. There have not been any films that I have seen depict the strategy that goes into the draft (selection process) in the NFL. It is also a big deal for the players who want to be picked, because they are not allowed to make any money while playing football in college (don't ask why, it just works that way). So to be picked is likened to finding out you have won the lottery (finally going to make good money).

And finally, regardless of opinion, this was made for just $25 million (USD) which is next to nothing comparing to your average run-of-the-mill budget.

----- 7/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

4.1 Miles (2016)

Insightful, yes. Oscar worthy?

[6/10 · 26 February 2017]

I think not. I will preface this by recommending anyone who wants to find out more on this subject, to watch Fire At Sea (2016) which covers the migrant crisis in greater detail and length.

First the content: an account of two men in Greece in the Coast Guard. They have seen a large number of refugees coming by sea on poorly constructed substitutes for boats (generally). This should not be news to anyone. Most news outlets have been covering the dead children washing up on beaches, crying mothers, and families packed in tents for quite some time now.

With that being said, yes these two men are good human beings. It is an enormous tragedy what these families are experiencing and the measures being taken to leave the danger back at home.

Documentaries usually cover material that is lesser known, from the dark places in society that most are unaware of. It's a way of helping people better understand a situation (generally) or elicit some sort of awareness previously not widely held (at least for my ratings).

But I think everyone understands how bad this situation is. In fact, this is a crisis in many countries around the world. I didn't feel any different. It didn't change my views or thinking differently about the situation. I therefore see no immediate value in having watched it. As I've said before, the situation was awful. I am aware who these people are and the extent they went to escape. That has not changed.

I would also speculate that "4.1 Miles" has garnered much of its attention because of the recent Oscar nomination. A nomination which likely is the result of being politically relevant.

My point is not to discredit the current situation, but rather to express frustration. The only reason I am here right now is out of habit for watching something new (go to IMDb and add/review/rate).

It's too short for something that wants to address the refugee crisis. This has been covered in extensive detail on the west (that's right other reviews, the west is well aware of the situation). I give 6 stars entirely because of the brave men depicted, and the dangerous environment at sea with high winds and water. The 4 stars have been removed because of the efforts of the director being lazy (in my opinion).

If this subject was so important, perhaps they should have invested more than 26 minutes of screen time to it.

----- 6/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

V for Vendetta (2005)

Must Watch for Everyone (NO EXCUSES)!

[10/10 · 25 February 2017]

V for Vendetta is the story of one man's vision versed in a vitriol of violence, his values shaped by the vestiges of a vanishing British Populi. His violence a response to voracious violations on his fellow British people.

The film begins in London as this revolutionary man wearing a Guy Fawkes mask disrupts local radio chatter with a velvet tongue:

"Good evening, London. Allow me first to apologize for this interruption. I do, like many of you, appreciate the comforts of the everyday routine, the security of the familiar, the tranquility of repetition. I enjoy them as much as any bloke."

Both a victim and fearless villain, he no longer can watch British people suffer at the expense of a venal government and failing free press:

"..while the truncheon may be used instead of conversation, words will always retain their power. Words offer the means to meaning and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there."

He vows to stand vivified with his fellow people as one. A front filled with vengeance, eager for victory from government void of value.

But it is what this hero says next that is arguably the most telling of the entire film:

"The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous."

To avoid watching such a marvelous movie would be the most vindictive thing you could do to yourself. I live vicariously through V for Vendetta every.single.day..

Originally a British graphic novel produced by DC Comics, adapted on screen by Warner Bros. ;)

----- 10/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

Army of One (2016)

Hidden Gem Film that includes Nicolas Cage!

[8/10 · 24 February 2017]

I enjoyed this film from the start. It was truly a hidden gem.

Gary Faulkner (Nicolas Cage) is a blue-collar compatriot currently on dialysis for kidney disease. Gary claims to have a vision where God comes to him, urging that he travel to Pakistan and capture Osama Binladen for the good of the American people. This message, combined with a deep-rooted love for his country lead him to do just that! On several occasions police report catching him attempting to cross the Afghan border carrying guns, knives, hash, and even Christian scripture.

Larry Charles has directed some fairly controversial material over his lifetime including Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-2017), Religulous (2008), and Bruno (2009). Everyone likely expected his film to poke fun at Gary Faulkner for loud political biases. But that would have been too easy. It speaks to Larry Charles' directorial authenticity that he did not take the bait with this one and run with it.

Cage has a pretty bad track record for the better part of his career. And while this film failed pretty miserably from opening weekend to nearly being a "straight to DVD" title, it was a very enjoyable story.

This movie has a striking resemblance to "Adaptation (2002)" (Cage as lead). Both of these have lead characters with a sociopath feel and are coincidentally two of Cage's strongest performances to date.

Be sure to stay for the closing credits if you like to see actual imagery about the people and events a film is based depicting. I particularly enjoyed the footage of Faulkner when he is on The Late Show with David Letterman. Avoid (at all costs) going off to research David Faulkner until after watching this. The experience will be all the better for it.

----- 8/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

Becoming Zlatan ... (2015)

The Quiet Giant - Zlatan Ibrahimovic

[7/10 · 24 February 2017]

I tend to jump at anything which documents any aspect of an elite soccer player. Being raised by two British parents meant receiving a weekly dose of English Premier League.

The focus of this film is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He's known around the world as one of the greatest strikers (forwards) ever to play the game of soccer.

His height and size are also rather noteworthy for this particular game because the level of skill and agility needed to move around with the ball is out of this world. It's but another reason why he is such a fascinating case study.

But I think the most important aspect of this film is the way that the Gertten Directors focus in on his character more than just the skills he acquired.

Ibrahimovic grew up to lower class parents with little money. We learn about his one-sided relationship with a domineering father. And how early in his career, things were quite rough and unpleasant for this young man before they began to drastically improve.

The directors have managed to get Zlatan to share a significant amount of archival footage from his early playing days which is unbelievable to see. You would likely be quite shocked at how different he looks now compared to not that long ago!

What makes this such a well-made account of the player is how accurate the film's message becomes: merely depicting a quiet giant who plays soccer out of the enjoyment had from it. From trying to find time with a girlfriend to the constant harassment by fans when he would perform poorly in matches.

By the end of 100 minutes, you're left in awe at just how genuine a person he is. Always going back to his hometown to support the residents, living in small apartments despite having more than enough money to pay for the lifestyle of the likes of Lionel Messi or Christiano Ronaldo.

I am so glad I came across it. But probably will only work if you follow a professional soccer league of some sorts for context.

----- 7/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

Collateral Beauty (2016)

Collateral Beauty... MEH

[5/10 · 22 January 2017]

Let me preface my 5-star rating by saying that the movie was without a doubt entertaining. It's hard not to be with such a star-studded cast and strong supporting soundtrack to help bring out emotion.

I had high hopes for this one. While I must admit to being suckered into such beliefs by the trailers, Will Smith and Edward Norton are two of the greatest Actors of our generation. Sure, they will land some flops (that's just statistics), but I have not been let down by the two in a while.

Ultimately this one felt rushed. The back stories for all the supporting cast members (Michael Peña, for example, is dealing with a terminal illness from the get go) was just as depressing as that of Norton and Smith's characters. What this has done is take away from the focus of the leads! With such a glaring error in the way this story was produced, it's difficult not to feel there were less ingenious intentions involved.

Too much packed into the script. While the premise was encouraging, it was evident within the first 20 minutes that there would be too much going on here. Everything felt rushed (not enough time invested in character stories).

But of all the reasons I suspect this has flopped ($36 mil budget and $29,846,313 mil on opening weekend) the biggest flag for me was this reiteration of "Collateral Beauty" being spoken several times throughout... literally! There were several instances of characters mentioning the title of the film (word for word) or regularly revisiting a more typical situation so as to ensure every single person hasn't missed it. Production and Directors: Please stop treating the audience in a way that says we are incapable of detecting the more subtle aspects of a story.

Ultimately I give this one five stars because of how great the actors/actress ensemble is. Had production advertised this one in much the same way that we saw in "New Year's Eve (2011)" or "Valentine's Day (2010)" (whom also packed the cast full of stars) my review would likely be far better. At least I would have known the mediocrity that was to come.

I am a huge fan of Will Smith. It cannot be denied that most of what he will touch ultimately end up turning to gold (with the very rare flop such as " After Earth (2013)"). Himself and Norton should be steering well clear of these kinds of motion pictures.

I will conclude with a phrase everyone has likely been told at least once by a parent: "I'm not upset, just disappointed."

----- 5/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

Hancock (2008)

Great Original Superhero Flick (Hidden Gem)

[8/10 · 21 January 2017]

I'm amazed this scored so low! Whether you like Will Smith or not, this has everything you could ask for.

Some notes for consideration: This was a movie that faced some serious adversity from the beginning.

The script for this was written in 1996 which makes the film all the more intriguing knowing just how many directors were cycled through before it finally went into production (11 years later!). The title alone started out as "Tonight, He Comes" followed by "John Hancock" and then simply "Hancock". Even the desired rating of PG-13 was a struggle to acquire, as the MPAA had twice already dubbed it "R".

But after all was said and done, Hancock took the #1 spot after opening weekend with mixed reviews (41% Rotten Tomatoes, 49% Metacritic)! With a production budget of $150 million it brought in $185.6 million after the opening weekend (worldwide, 5 day weekend).

Now on to the actual content:

The script is refreshing. Not only are there twists throughout, but they are highly unpredictable and start to expose themselves within the first 30 minutes.

The cast consists of Will Smith, Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman whom all demonstrate outstanding performances (as one would expect from them). The humor is believable and not overdone, the drama is the perfect amount leaving you laughing and feeling sorrow throughout.

As mentioned before, even if you are not a huge Will Smith fan this will surely be something anyone can enjoy. I am quite puzzled by the general consensus here on IMDb but assure you that the film is much better than the rating would infer.

----- 8/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

Denial (II) (2016)

A Well-written Script!

[7/10 · 20 December 2016]

For reasons unknown, I chose to take a chance on this one and was quite humbled. Let me be 100% clear here in saying that I most certainly was not in the demographic with which this film likely intended.

1. SCRIPT:

Don't be deceived fellow viewers; this movie is very much both drama and suspense. And nothing more. But that's OK!

A Holocaust Denier from the United Kingdom represents himself in court to disprove the tragedy ever took place. A young Jewish American activist willingly takes it upon herself to go to court for the sake of history as well as Jewish people everywhere.

2. CAST:

I enjoyed Rachel Weisz performance. Probably her most recent work in the 2015 Italian hit "Youth" comes to mind. Denial has shown Weisz is more than capable of carrying a motion picture on her own!

Timothy Spall plays the elder protagonist. With a healthy body of exemplary supporting performances, Denial has been no exception.

Tom Wilkinson is another strong addition to the cast, portraying a widely successful British lawyer named Richard Rampton, his performance quickly stole the show.

3. FINAL THOUGHT:

The material felt real and very tastefully done. Instead of hating Spall's character, I found myself feeling sorry for him. I sympathized as to the likelihood of just how truly awful a childhood some must have had to make such appalling claims.

The directors apparently have given a lot of thought into this film. This movie avoids the temptation to let the emotionally charged content dictate its direction. Smartly, they didn't get lost in the horrific details of what took place (because everyone knows just how awful it was AND many movies have done a great job covering this aspect).

It's always a good sign when the credits roll and your mind begins to reflect on what just took place over the last 109 minutes. I urge everyone to give it a chance. I enjoyed this one.

----- 7/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

Mascots (2016)

Just Another Poorly Made "Netflix Original" (Best In Show - Part 2!)

[2/10 · 14 October 2016]

I did have high hopes for this one. Netflix has made a huge push for subscribers to watch their latest venture as producers, creating what are called "Netflix Originals." Unfortunately always turn out poorly, with the likes of Chelsea Live! So clearly flopping immediately after their release. Almost every single production piece they've made has garnered less than two stars.

Trailers for Mascots truthfully had me excited. The sneak previews were somewhat entertaining and showed a semi-familiar cast with the likes of Zach Woods and Wayne Wilderson among them. But Woods is the only decent thing I can say after finishing this one...

The movie struck me as very similar to Best in Show (2000). The way it was filmed, the humor veered slightly and the pace of scenes. ...and what do ya know? I go and check out the directors of these two movies after writing the above few lines and guess what! Both were directed by Christopher Guest!

Suddenly It was clear why I was struggling to enjoy Mascots. It was an attempt to use an acclaimed director and have him pump out another movie using a past model that worked on previous work assuming that it would also then receive the same regard.

Everything felt like it was second-hand material. The humor seemed to be based on the very same jokes from Best in Show, the style in which the film was made is the same as Best in Show, and even some of the same cast members from Best in Show are playing similar roles to what they had in Best in Show (e.g. Jennifer Coolidge plays the spouse of an upper-class retiree)!

I think this alone should suffice as to why this is going to turn out in much the same way all of Netflix's other content has: poor ratings and eventually back down deep into the pits of darkness, but only after enough time has passed to push more original content on their viewership.

Sorry guys, I wanted to enjoy this, but you cannot expect to get much out of reinventing movies. Correlation does not imply causation, a concept that was apparently overlooked when attempting to use the same director in such an unbelievably different manner (aka. make a new version of your hit movie only change the dogs to mascots). Perhaps producing isn't going to work out. And it could be a strong signal that getting the rights to good content (e.g. Modern Family cough cough) would be a good way to improve on the current mediocre selection.

Because I honestly felt bad for both the director and several of the actors, I've decided to add one star to my rating.

----- 2/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

Sausage Party (2016)

Sausage Party: An Observation of the Modern World

[5/10 · 22 August 2016]

Observation manages to combine all of the stereotypes shared by different cultures of one another, intertwine this with raunchy humor, ultimately painting a portrait of how intolerable this the planet is becoming.

A few facts (for those whom would prefer NOT to hear the ramblings of a long- time film fanatic): The film has been estimated to have been built on a $19- million budget, grossing about $34-million opening weekend (USA). For your comparison: Finding Dori (2016) cost an estimated $200-million bringing in about $135-million opening weekend (USA). Whether a fan or not, there is clearly something to be said regarding the brilliance that is Seth Rogen.

One thing is clear: this was hand-crafted by Rogen and therefore filled extensively by his observations and humor from start to finish. The script was something he had in the works for nearly ten years!

I suspect many will turn away from this due to religious affiliation. I am an atheist but would stress that with all of the violence, racism, sexism, and every other "ism" in the world, that this was an attempt to address the way that many denominations and organizations are misunderstood by one another.

A female coworker at my office came by on Monday morning to exclaim that it was indigent humor, and I quote "racist." To those who would even have the slightest inkling of accusing this work racist, you have completely misunderstood. In fact, one of the messages that could be drawn from watching this would have to do with the necessity for removing the "racist" culture and indirect racism that can be created through attempting to group individuals by religious affiliation or any other characteristics.

DO NOT take your children. The entire run-time was packed with bad language, a ton of sexual innuendos, so you've been warned.

Enjoy the film, appreciate the message, don't take anything personally. It was not the intent of Rogen or any other Directors/Writers.

Oh, and just to make this "review-worthy"... the film uses various Super Market foods, drinks, and items to represent humans incorporating the different stereotypes often heard of for numerous Religions, ethnic groups, and sexual preferences/identities. By using such simple characters, it attempts to put some of the world's problems onto the simplest of stages for the world to see and take in for themselves.

----- 5/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

Marauders (2016)

Good Movie, Not GREAT but Good

[6/10 · 5 July 2016]

I was pleasantly surprised by this film. Without wasting time on the obvious (watch the trailer), here is a one line synopsis: a series of bank heists and the efforts to uncover the guys pulling them off.

First and foremost, Bruce Willis is not the lead in this film. As if by impulse often I find myself immediately tossing aside anything from his recent work over the past few years, however, his role is rather small in this one. So if you are much like myself, fear not!

The story is somewhat predictable, yet there are plenty of moments that get you thinking about how our society (particularly the USA) functions at the highest levels of government and security.

As always, Adrian Grenier had much to live up to considering my need to equate him with the loving film star "Vince" from HBO's Entourage. Indeed a tough battle for many who are fond of the show. I can offer some solace by saying that after the first quarter of the film he meshes nicely, and the stigma wears off. Kudos to Grenier, as I hope he continues down the right path with more films of this nature.

Christopher Meloni & Dave Bautista play the two leads agents on the case, surprisingly doing a decent job of portraying a friendship that's believable on screen.

All in all this film was by no means the greatest. There is a high likelihood that avid movie buffs like myself will overlook this one. It is to those that I urge otherwise.

Decent story, decent acting, great visuals, Bruce Willis isn't the Male lead. Watch it.

----- 6/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

Warcraft (2016)

ATTENTION: Those Whom Never Played the Games

[8/10 · 10 June 2016]

I should note that I am a 27 years old from the United States, who at one point in time fell deeply in love with Blizzard and their games (Diablo I & II & IIX, Warcraft, WoW and even Starcraft for a period). I have since then moved on to experience college life, enjoy a social life, and obtain a degree while at it in Electrical Engineering. Recently I became a member of the workforce landing my first job as a developer! So now that you better understand who the reviewer is and have gotten to know a little about me ...on to the movie:

Very rarely do I feel so compelled to chime in on a motion picture. But after sitting through a screening of Warcraft, not realizing how tightly clenched my jaw had truly been, was I able to recognize the impact: A successfully told backstory for a video game, brought on fierce nostalgia for my inner-nerd. Furthermore, a tale which offered up similar emotions to those shared by other great films of our generation.

First, and foremost, this was a movie whose intent was primarily mass entertainment! Blizzard wants to provide something that anyone can sit through and enjoy. Only then, as a bonus is there the story of a video game for us geeks.

With that being said, the story is solid and easy for anyone to follow. The action scenes (despite there being no blood) were positively outstanding. IT WILL NOT OCCUR TO THE VIEWER UNTIL AFTERWARDS THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO SIMULATED BLOOD!

Don't miss out on a groundbreaking effort by Blizzard to create a solid piece which provides us an opportunity to come together as two historically opposite populations united (that is the nerds and "non-techies") ...or was it the orc and human faction (sorry but I had to get in at least one for old times sake)?

Much speculation on box office numbers has been thrown around, but I honestly haven't even batted an eye. Friends, even if a sequel does not manage to emerge (and I hope that not to be the case), Blizzard has already done us a great service through this epic. I for one am already grateful!

----- 8/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----

Beautiful Girls (1996)

Pleasantly Surprised by this Little Gem

[8/10 · 13 May 2016]

Being an avid movie-buff, it feels like there isn't much left that I want to see.. until I came across this gem on Netflix completely by chance.

For starters, the cast is outstanding: Matt Dillon, Michael Rapaport & Timothy Hutton play three friends who grew apart after high school, going their separate ways. Hutton has come back into town for an upcoming high school reunion and becomes acquainted with everyone and everything he once left behind.

What made this film the gem that it was, can be largely credited to the relatively short screen time by a young Natalie Portman, playing the young daughter of neighbors next door to Hutton's childhood home. The exchanges between these two are simply outstanding.

It is the year 2016 that I write this review, and I can assure anyone reading this that you will enjoy every moment. Watch what made Dillon the powerhouse he once was, or the raw talent that Portman displays well before she grew into the top tiers of stardom.

----- 8/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----